Jennifer Stalley, founder and president of Meemzy Magic , shares some tips about toys that you may find useful.
Find the full commentary here.
What’s the Story?
Do you know that too many toys can harm your child's development? Children are often bombarded with various toys and entertainment options, but it's important to be aware of the negative impact it can have. Children with too many toys tend to have shorter attention spans, share less, and have less creativity.
What are Experts saying?
- Quality Over Quantity
- Jennifer recommends selling old toys and opting for quality second-hand toys from platforms like Facebook Marketplace or a local “buy nothing group”. She emphasizes, “Sometimes having too many toys isn’t doing much for your child. It can be overwhelming because clutter increases cortisol, the stress hormone, and can make it hard to find something to play with. Too many toys also make it harder to teach good habits like how to keep your space clean and organized. It's about having the right toys that stimulate imagination and creativity.”
- Brain-Boosting Toys for Little Innovators
- When selecting toys, prioritize those that are open-ended to encourage problem-solving and creative thinking. Jennifer advises, “Choose toys that challenge your child's mind, fostering problem-solving skills and igniting their creative thinking. Children know how to play innately; the hard part as a parent is stepping back and letting them lead instead of inserting themselves and taking control. ”
- Tailored Adventures for Growing Minds
- Stay ahead of your child's developmental needs by subscribing to toy services that provide age-appropriate toys as your little one grows. Jennifer notes, “This keeps things fresh and exciting and ensures your child is engaged in activities that match their cognitive and physical development.”
- Crafting Sensory Wonders at Home
- Engage in affordable DIY sensory bins at home to enrich your child's sensory play. Jennifer suggests, “Simple materials like rice, beans, and textured fabrics can spark their curiosity and enhance sensory experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.”
- Library Treasures
- Instead of amassing a personal library, utilize community resources like libraries to check out books. Jennifer advises, “This saves space and encourages a love for reading. Plus, it's a sustainable practice that instills the importance of sharing resources within the community.”
- Nature's Playground
- Encourage outdoor play for physical health and overall well-being. Jennifer highlights, “The outdoors support the development of all the senses and contribute to mental health. It's a free, endless playground where children can explore, discover, and learn. Help your little one slow down and relax by noticing the smells, feels, and sounds out in nature. Is the grass nice and cool? Does the warm sand feel good on your feet? What sounds are the bees making? ”
- Encourage outdoor play for physical health and overall well-being. Jennifer highlights, “The outdoors support the development of all the senses and contribute to mental health. It's a free, endless playground where children can explore, discover, and learn. Help your little one slow down and relax by noticing the smells, feels, and sounds out in nature. Is the grass nice and cool? Does the warm sand feel good on your feet? What sounds are the bees making? ”
About Experts:
Jennifer Stalley is not just an entrepreneur but a mom who's been through the thick of pandemic parenting. She's the heart and soul behind Meemzy Magic, a company she created just for moms like her, bringing a bit of magic into children's lives with sensory toys designed through her PLAY method.
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